The Texas legislature could increase funding for a program that provides fresh produce to food banks. The "Texans Feeding Texans" Program gives money to food banks to buy surplus produce from farmers.
The Texas Department of Agriculture has recommended doubling funding for the grants from $10 to $20 million.
"I feel like it's a win-win-win for food banks and hungry people, for farmers and for the State of Texas," says Feeding Texas Chief Executive Officer Celia Cole. "I think it's a proven investment with a big payoff."
Feeding Texas is a network of 21 food banks across the state.
The program provides grants to food banks to buy surplus agricultural products from farmers. A report by economist Ray Perryman estimates a dollar spent on the program yields a $3.27 return in healthcare and education savings.
"That is basically an economist's way of telling you an apple a day keeps the doctor away," Cole says. "Hungry people can't learn. Hunger never helped anyone find a job. It's so critical to make sure people are well-nourished."
Cole says the pandemic cast a light on existing needs, and inflation has increased the need for help among low income families. She says expanding the grant program can also make nutritious food more accessible in areas considered "food deserts."
"Texas has so many counties, so many communities that are classified as low income and low access to food," she says. "A lot of the people we serve can't get their hands on fresh produce."
Cole says farmers then benefit from receiving money for crops that otherwise would have rotted.
"We're going after surplus. It's produce that either isn't perfect enough for the market or there isn't a market for it," she says. "If we don't capture it, the farmer or grower has to either kill it under or dispose of it."
Cole says she is hopeful the increase will draw bipartisan support. As the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Finance Committee have started meeting to set budgets, she says Texans Feeding Texans is "getting a positive reception."
"It ain't over til it's over, but it's a very popular program for a number of reasons," she says. "Food banks have a lot of visibility right now. Legislators got to see us in action during the pandemic and understand what a really important role we play in preventing hunger and helping our country be resilient."
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